One individual has been hospitalized following a manhole cover explosion in downtown Detroit. The individual wasn't hit by the cover, but was blown back by the blast.
First responders taped off the area and worked with the fire department to investigate. Spectators described the explosion as unusually loud, with one estimating the cover shot 40 to 50 feet into the air.
New York Governor Requests Disaster Declaration Following Tropical Storm
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to support the ongoing recovery efforts of communities impacted by the severe weather caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby that occurred Aug. 8-10.
If granted by the federal government, this declaration would provide federal funding for Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates counties to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.
“After Tropical Storm Debby caused widespread damages across New York State, I’m requesting an emergency declaration from our federal partners to bring help to the communities in need,” Hochul says. “We must provide relief to areas impacted by the storm, and my administration will take every measure necessary to ensure their speedy and full recovery.”
EPA Announces $7.5 Billion in WIFIA Funding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the availability of $7.5 billion of Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funding. The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost.
The WIFIA program provides its borrowers with creative, affordable financing options. It can fund the planning, design and construction of a wide range of water infrastructure projects and offers the ability to combine multiple projects into a single loan. By streamlining the funding process, communities can accelerate their infrastructure projects.
The WIFIA program offers interest rate resets, debt structuring, and fast disbursements, benefits not traditionally offered with other financing sources. For example, borrowers may defer repayment for up to five years following construction completion, and then customize their repayment schedule through the 35-year loan term.
